Job Openings

IP Training Manager

A comprehensive knowledge of rules and regulations associated with each type of Intellectual Property (IP) along with a thorough training program of internal firm processes and procedures are essential to successful cultivation of qualified personnel. To which, the function of the Training Manager is to ensure the development of both knowledge and training for all incoming and existing personnel through IP training programs.

Overview

Summary

  • The Training Manager serves as the dedicated trainer for the firm’s IP Practice.
  • The Training Manager possesses a comprehensive understanding of the IP prosecution process and the country laws associated with all areas of Intellectual Property.
  • The Training Manager is responsible for the development and preparation of the training program for all incoming Associates, support personnel and temporary persons.
  • The Training Manager is responsible for the development and maintenance of all training materials and documentation of processes and procedures that reflect industry and firm standards.
  • The Training Manager is responsible for tracking, reviewing and disseminating information regarding rule changes and announcements pertaining to the filing practices in the United States Patent and Trademark Office as they relate to the Firm’s processes and procedures.
  • This position is exempt.

Reporting Requirements

  • The Training Manager reports to the IP Director.

Organizational Relationships

  • The Training Manager works closely with the IP Director to develop a procedural training program for incoming Associates, support personnel and temporary persons.
  • The Training Manager works closely with the IP Director and attorneys to develop advanced education programs for existing Associates.
  • The Training Manager works closely with the IP Director to develop advanced education and training programs for existing support personnel.
  • The Training Manager provides support to the IP Director and department managers regarding skill assessments and recommends solutions for performance issues and potential areas of training for all incoming and existing personnel.
  • The Training Manager works closely with department managers to ensure the IP Training Program meets departmental needs with regard to departmental day-to-day operational processes and procedures.
  • The Training Manager works closely with department managers to ensure the IP Training Program meets the firm needs with regard to cross-training between departmental skills and functions.
  • The Training Manager works closely with the Best Practice Committee to ensure that internal policies, programs and processes are developed, implemented, communicated and consistently administered in compliance with relevant USPTO laws/regulations and organizational objectives.

Areas of Responsibility

Projected Duties and Responsibilities

  • Conduct procedural training for all incoming firm personnel to include, but not limited to: IP software applications, billing software applications, and general computer training.
  • Conduct cross-training for all internal advancements with respect to department specific areas of functions and operations.
  • Conduct overall training of firm wide practices, processes and procedures for all persons to include, but not limited to: support personnel, Associates, and Partners.
  • Establish and implement a strategic plan for the firm’s IP Training Program, including short and long term training goals and requirements.
  • Coordinate with department managers to develop a training program to cross-train IP personnel in all areas of department responsibility.
  • Develop and maintain written hardcopy and electronic training materials to include, but not limited to: procedures manuals, user manuals, presentations and guides containing firm policies and procedures available for use by all firm members.
  • Develop and establish ongoing education programs at the Associate and support personnel level to include, but not limited to: Brown Bag Luncheons, Lecture Series, and Special Guest Speaker Series.

Firm Wide Services and Communications

  • Serve as an ongoing source of knowledge to firm personnel with regards to IP prosecution rules and regulations.
  • Provide incoming personnel with guidance and expertise during and after the training period.
  • Ensure firm policies and procedures are established and instructed during the training program.

Orientation, Training and Documentation

  • Develop and maintain an advanced training program to cross-train IP personnel in multiple areas of department responsibility.
  • Develop and maintain user manuals and guides to include firm policies and procedures available for use by all firm members.
  • Monitor updates to and/or new USPTO and PTO rules and guidelines, as they relate to the IP process and update training materials accordingly.
  • Assist the HR Director and the IP Director in the creation and maintenance of IP tests to include, but not limited to: pre-hire testing, internal advancement testing, and continual skills testing in all areas and levels of IP matters.

Qualifications

Work Experience

  • Minimum of six (6) years of comprehensive Intellectual Property prosecution experience to include, but not limited to, US and International Patents and Trademarks.

Knowledge and Expertise

Required:

  • Minimum four-year degree. Related work experience may be used in lieu of formal education.
  • Knowledge of and experience with administrative issues related to an Intellectual Property and legal environment.
  • Knowledge of and experience with mainstream Intellectual Property software application such as Patricia, CPI, Inprotech, Foundation IP, Master Data, PATTSY, etc.
  • Knowledge of and experience with general office software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, etc.
  • Knowledge of and experience with the United States Patent Office Electronic Filing Systems (EFS), and Intellectual Property resources and country law databases such as: PAIR, TESS, TARR, esp@cenet; PatentScope, or other related programs and/or site experience.

Strongly Preferred:

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Knowledge of and experience with Elite or other similar billing system.

Other Requirements

  • Service oriented individual with enthusiasm for the challenges of providing complex services in a law firm setting.
  • Detailed-oriented individual possessing organizational skills.
  • Well-rounded, approachable individual able to effectively communicate with others in a professional setting.
  • Facility for creative problem solving.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to forge relationships with management, colleagues and a diverse clientele.
  • Ability to plan for and implement change.
  • Ability to initiate and manage projects from inception through completion.
  • Ability to multi task and work in a fast paced environment.
  • Ability to patiently identify and instruct individuals with varying skill sets and/or learning styles.
  • Ability to modify training curriculum to accommodate individuals with varying skill sets and/or learning styles.
  • Ability to fully adhere to firm confidentiality standards.